Alan Myers spots an Everton problem as David Moyes faces dilemma after West Ham

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Everton’s positive start to the campaign is in danger of petering out thanks to another frustrating performance on Monday, despite a bright start to the game against West Ham.

Michael Keane’s headed opener after 18 minutes gave Everton a platform to dispose of a team low on confidence, but once again a lacklustre display in the final third cost them.

David Moyes’ side enjoyed plenty of possession and momentum, especially in the first half, but failed to turn that dominance into another goal against West Ham. Beto, in particular, was unable to put the opposition defence under enough pressure from the tip of the Toffees’ attack.

It’s an all too familiar scenario for fans, and it’s been denying Everton valuable points – with the games against Aston Villa and West Ham both there for the taking. Even when Thierno Barry was introduced with 20 minutes remaining, it all still felt laboured and a bit slow.

• READ MORE: David Moyes shares what really disappointed him about his Everton players vs West Ham United

Alan Myers on what’s going wrong for Everton’s attack

I’ve said numerous times already this season there is plenty of creativity in the side and once again Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall were busy, seeing lots of the ball. However, Everton need more end product, and quickly.

There’s something missing, yes it’s the lack of a clinical finish but also I think the team needs to believe in itself a bit more. Everton have the players and the togetherness to hurt teams, they just need to convince themselves of that right now.

It was great to see Michael Keane get on the scoresheet again, with a tremendously powerful header. A player that has endured more than his fair share of criticism in recent years, Keane is right on his game at the moment. He ended last season well and has begun this campaign the same way.

The 32-year-old is up there with the best performers currently not only with his defensive duties, but also offering a threat at set pieces. I remember we signed him on loan when I was at Blackburn Rovers, we wanted to make the move permanent but couldn’t for various reasons at the time and he eventually moved to Burnley.

The form he showed under former Blues boss Sean Dyche at Turf Moor was what prompted Everton to pay big money for him. He’s showing that form once again and I couldn’t be more pleased for him.

Talking of top performers, Idrissa Gana Gueye – making his 200th Premier League appearance – was another bright spot on Monday night. A testament to his importance to the club, at 36 he is defying all expectations of someone his age with impressive performances week in, week out, showing no signs of fatigue whatsoever, putting in another 95 minutes. Gueye will be a big miss when he leaves for AFCON duty in December with Senegal.

Everton to face tricky Crystal Palace game without star man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Everton have a really tough game back at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday when Liverpool’s recent conquerors Crystal Palace arrive in Merseyside boasting an unbeaten run which stretches back 18 games in all competitions. Oliver Glasner is building something special at Selhurst Park, and they will arrive in a confident mood.

Of course they have a Europa Conference League trip to Poland to take on Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday night to contend with, which may give the Toffees a slight advantage come 2pm on Sunday afternoon. However, Palace’s current form suggests they’re taking each game in their stride and coping well with the busy schedule.

Everton will be without the suspended Dewsbury-Hall on Sunday following his very harsh yellow card against the Hammers, which will certainly be a blow to their chances.

And with just two points taken from the last nine available, Moyes will want to arrest the recent deceleration of the good mood train which showed promising signs after three games at the start of the season.

There won’t be any pulling of emergency cords just yet, but with a home advantage for the second time in a week the need for a win has increased in importance.